We’ve picked up a new skin care line and we’re in love. Epionce is a clinically proven botanically based line that is sodium laurel sulfate free, gluten free, fragrance free, paraben free and animal cruelty free.

These dermatologist-backed products contain restorative botanical ingredients to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. Unlike many other products on the market, Epionce does not contain harsh ingredients that irritate the skin or cause unnecessary dryness. The result is healthier, younger-looking skin.

From improving the visible appearance of skin aging to problem skin, Epionce can be incorported into your skin care regimen to solve your specific skin concerns.

Our skin changes with the seasons and our skin care regimen should, too! Be sure to check out our feature on styleblueprint.com to learn more on skin tips to stay healthy this summer.

“If you are rarely outside, a product with SPF 30 is sufficient. If you are outside for extended amounts of time, you should apply a water-resistant product with SPF 30 or more. Keep in mind SPF 15 filters about 93 percent of UV radiation, while SPF 30 filters 97 percent and SPF 50 filters 98 percent. Frequent application is best. You should apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. One of the best things you can do in addition to applying SPF regularly is wearing a wide-brimmed hat to reduce sun exposure.” — Maegan Griffin, MSN, NP-C

Fillers that can address facial wrinkles are nothing new, but these take a new approach to achieving natural-looking results.

Restylane® Refyne and Restylane® Defyne are the latest FDA approved dermal fillers for the treatment of “smile” and “laugh” lines. These are next generation hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers manufactured with XpresHAn Technology, creating gels that offer a range of flexiblity for expression and motion. Restylane Refyne is for the treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, while Restylane Defyne is for the treatment of moderate to severe, deep facial wrinkles and folds. Both of these products have been shown to maintain effectiveness for up to 12 months.

“I’ve injected Restylane Refyne into superficial lines and wrinkles of the lower face and it corrected beautifully- similar to honey. I’ve added a small remainder of the syringe to lips and it added a nice touch. I find Restylane Defyne ideal for filling deeper structures like the nasolabial folds and lower face creases such as the mental crease (horizontal line in the chin). Refyne and Defyne fill an unmet need in my practice and patients are loving the results.” -Maegan Griffin, MSN, NP-C

If you are diagnosed with stage I rosacea, treatment may include topical antibiotics and/or antiparasitics and cosmetic lasers. An oral low-dose antibiotic (Oracea) is often added to stage I and stage II rosacea.

Vascular laser treatments work very well in treating all stages of rosacea and are frequently the only acceptable cosmetic treatment. -Maegan Griffin, MSN, NP-C

Early diagnosis and treatment can control the signs and symptoms of rosacea and help prevent this skin condition from worsening. The most common treatment plan for our patients involves a combination of the above recommendations.

“Yes I want that! Um… wait, how much is it?” Even the upwardly mobile are budget conscious, so don’t feel bad if this question has crossed your mind when contemplating cosmetic treatments.

It’s understandable the natural assumption is there’s a hefty price tag attached to amazing results. Great news my budget conscious friends, the latest advances in technology and skin care are more affordable than you might think. While the saying “Cheap cosmetic treatments are never good, and good cosmetic treatments are never cheap”, holds true, there are some fantastic options available that won’t break the bank. Below I’ve listed a few of my favorites- all under $1,000. In fact, I started my list with game changers from just $200.

$200 – It’s all about the right products. Those little bottles go a long way and pack quite the punch when it comes to making sure your skin has the proper care. From day to night, proper care is priority #1, so begin your day with a broad spectrum 30+ SPF every morning and a retinol product every night.

$300 – In addition to the right product line up, freshen up with a chemical peel. Get some extra glow, minimize fine lines, improve pores and smooth out uneven skin tone. It’s so easy you can do it during lunch!

$400 – Let’s plump it up! Add in a laser boosting collagen treatment. These procedures have no downtime and are safe on all skin types.

$600 – Bring on the injectables. Why live with forehead lines and crows feet when they can so easily be treated? Botox and Dysport are my go to injectables to smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

$600+- Depending on age and desired results, you may want to consider adding fillers to your skin care routine. Juvederm and Restylane work wonders to regain lost volume as we age.

Getting a second wind now that you know cosmetic treats are obtainable? We hope to see you soon!

The title Nurse Practitioner is gaining more awareness, but there is still a level of bewilderment with the name.

Nurse practitioners are licensed registered nurses who have completed a master’s or doctoral degree program, clinical training and didactic courses prior to taking a board exam. NPs provide both medical and nursing care under their own license. This license permits them to give orders, prescribe medications, and direct medical care of patients. Depending on state law, NPs practice either independently or in collaboration with physicians.

Areas of specialization and certification include Family, Adult, Pediatric, Gerontologic, Women’s Health, Psychiatric, School and Occupational Health, Emergency, Neonatal, and Acute Care. NPs may also subspecialize in areas such as dermatology, cardiovascular health, and oncology. The nurse practitioner field is fascinating and diverse- and growing!

Megan Stewart developed a passion for skin care and became interested in ways in which she could maintain fresh, younger looking skin after becoming a patient of Maegan Griffin’s. While seeking treatment for melasma, Megan realized that she yearned for more knowledge about her condition and other skin conditions like acne and rosacea. Megan was also excited for the opportunity to learn more about cosmetic treatments for people seeking minimally invasive ways to improve their appearance. Since joining Skin Pharm, Megan has received extensive training with Maegan Griffin and top skin care representatives throughout the Nashville area. Her quick learning skills and attention to detail are an asset to our practice and we are so excited to have her on board!

Maegan Griffin is known for her innovative work in cosmetic dermatology, facial rejuvenation techniques and aesthetic medicine utilizing the latest cutting edge technology. An early adapter of injectables and skin laser technologies, Maegan’s artful work has secured her reputation as a practitioner who helps her patients create meaningful internal and external changes in their lives while finding a balanced approach to anti-aging and beauty.

“The point of meeting with me is to establish a plan to create and maintain an overall healthy appearance. I often see the domino effect- once someone’s skin improves, their diet improves, the sleep routine improves and so on. I live for hearing people tell me their mental and physical health improved after starting a professional relationship with me.”

A clinical expert in the field of cosmetic dermatology, Maegan’s work has been featured in NFocus, Nashville Scene and Style Blueprint as well as many local blogs.

In addition to her busy practice, Maegan enjoys giving back, supporting a variety of local nonprofits. She is an avid traveler and passionate mother to her baby girl and soon-to-be baby boy.

After practicing in Nashville for several years, I am fortunate to have built a following of fresh-faced women and founded my cosmetic dermatology practice, Skin Pharm.

Skin Pharm specializes in aesthetic medicine including cosmetic injections, advanced skin care, laser therapy and acne treatments. If you are a current patient of mine, you will continue to visit the same location. If you are a new patient, our office is located off West End near Saint Thomas West hospital.

I would not be in the position to open my own practice without each and every one of my clients. I am honored by the trust you have in me caring for you, your friends, and your families. The Skin Pharm team is very excited about this new venture and we look forward to seeing you soon!